India's approach to AI governance is deliberately different from the comprehensive, prescriptive model of the EU AI Act. Instead, it leverages existing legal frameworks, applies targeted amendments, and relies on voluntary guidelines backed by institutional oversight.
The February 2026 Amendments
On 10 February 2026, India's IT Ministry notified amendments to the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, specifically targeting "synthetically generated information" — content created or altered by AI that appears authentic.
The new rules mandate:
- Prominent labelling of AI-generated content, visible for at least 10% of content duration or area
- Due diligence by platforms enabling synthetic content creation or modification
- Traceability and consent verification, particularly for Significant Social Media Intermediaries
- Automated blocking systems for harmful synthetic content including non-consensual deepfakes
The Seven Sutras
Underpinning India's approach are the India AI Governance Guidelines, released by MeitY in November 2025 under the IndiaAI Mission. While not legally enforceable, they establish seven core principles that serve as a foundational reference for responsible AI adoption.
Why This Matters for APAC
First, it's implementable. Many APAC economies lack the regulatory infrastructure to enforce something as complex as the EU AI Act. India's model is a pattern that countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand can realistically adopt.
Second, it preserves innovation space. By choosing a "light-touch" model, India avoids the chilling effect on AI development that some European companies have reported.
Third, it addresses real harms. The focus on synthetic content targets the most immediately damaging AI applications without restricting beneficial uses.
The Road Ahead
India's governance framework is still evolving. The Digital India Act, expected to be a comprehensive overhaul of the IT Act, is in draft discussions. For enterprise leaders operating across APAC, India's framework offers a preview of the regulatory direction most of the region is likely to follow.